MESSENGER POST MEDIA

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Advertising supplement for the week of January 26, 2014

2014

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MESSENGER POST MEDIA

A division of Gatehouse Media 73 Buffalo Street Canandaigua NY 14424 585.394.0770 www.MPNnow.com

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FeNd Off FROSTBITE

A
use Common sense to prevent icy ailment
By Dan Rafter | MORE CONTENT NOW

s the frigid temperatures of winter take hold, people who spend time outside put themselves at risk for frostbite. In the most severe cases, victims are permanently damaged and can lose their fingers, toes or other extremities. Fortunately, its relatively easy to prevent frostbite. We can help you learn how to recognize and treat it.

As the person heads inside and the skin starts warming back up, the frostbitten area can become red and painful. With more severe cases of frostbite, the skin turns very white and feels extremely numb. Such cases can cause blisters and permanent damage to tendons, bone and muscles.

obvious: Stay inside during extremely cold weather. If you do have to venture into the cold, make sure to dress appropriately. Wear at least two layers of socks to protect your feet, and a thin pair of gloves under thicker gloves to keep your hands and fingers warm. Earmuffs, an ear band and a hat will protect your ears. Dr. James Cole, assistant director of trauma services at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Ill., said certain people are at risk for frostbite. Diabetics, people with vascular diseases and smokers should be especially cautious when temperatures dip. Prevention is rather easy when it comes to frostbite, Cole said. All of us should know enough to get inside when it gets too cold or when we start to feel numbness in our extremities.

PREVENTION The first step to heading off frostbite is the most

TREATMENT If you suspect that you have frostbite, dont

panic. Cole says most people dont need to see a doctor because they can easily treat themselves. First, immediately remove wet clothing, gloves and socks. Remove any constrictive clothing such as wristbands, shirts with sleeves that are tight at the wrists or tight socks. This will improve the circulation of blood to your frostbitten extremities. Get off your feet and begin warming your skin. Place your hands under your armpits and put affected extremities in water thats not too hotabout 100 degrees. Cole recommends trying these measures for about 20 minutes or until your skin begins to regain its natural color. Dont use dry heat, such as from a fireplace or hairdryer, to warm your skin. Dont rub or massage the frozen area, either; that can cause tissue damage. If these methods dont work, then patients should seek outside medical attention. Additional sources: Farmers Almanac, ScienceDaily.com.

RECOGNIZE IT Frostbite occurs when the skin and tissue underneath it freeze. In less-severe cases, skintypically your nose, cheeks or earswill turn white and feel numb.

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In case of an emergency
hOw tO make sure YOur familYs prepared fOr all eVeNtualities BY MOLLY LOGAN ANDERSON
Life is full of emergencies, both big and small. With a little knowledge
and a few supplies, your family will have the plan and tools necessary to battle the most common ailments. From stubbed toes to bug bites, weve got you covered. Whats more, well let you in on what to do at home and when to know its time to seek professional help. In an emergency: Make sure that youre prepared for lifes biggest emergencies first, because in the heat of the moment its easy to become disoriented. Keep a list of emergency numbers close to all of the phones in your home. Print the emergency contact sheet from www.kidshealth.org or create your own. KidsHealth suggests including the numbers for emergency medical services (911 in most areas, but check your communitys phone book), poison control, the hospital emergency room, police and fire departments, doctors, family and neighbors.

Rashes
Home care Poison ivy, oak and sumac are the most common causes of skin rash occurring for those who spend time outdoors, according to Medline Plus. Affected areas are severely itchy, streaky and sometimes include red bumps and blisters. If exposed, skin should be washed with soap and water within 30 minutes to limit skin absorption, with close attention paid to the area under fingernails. Control symptoms by applying calming lotions such as hydrocortisone or calamine to affected areas. Oatmeal bath products from drugstores or over-the-counter antihistamines can be helpful for stubborn cases. When to go to the doctor If someone has a severe reaction, such as difficulty breathing, call 911. See a doctor if itching cannot be controlled or if the rash involves the face, lips, eyes or genitals.

Poisoning
Symptoms of poisoning may include burns or redness around the mouth, breath that smells like chemicals, burns, stains and odors on the person, their clothing and surrounding areas, as well as vomiting, difficulty breathing, sleepiness and confusion, according to the Mayo Clinic website. These obvious effects of poisoning warrant an immediate call to 911. If you suspect poisoning and the person seems stable and is without lifethreatening symptoms call the National Poison Control Center right away at (800) 222-1222. Gather all available information you have for the Poison Control Center, which will give you specific advice depending on the substance and quantity of ingestion.

Cuts and abrasions

Home care For bleeding that doesnt stop quickly on its own, expert advice on MayoClinc.com suggests applying pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for 20 to 30 minutes. Clean the wound with cold water rinsing, removing any stubborn debris with tweezers. When clean, apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage. When to go to the doctor For cuts deeper than inch, gaping wounds with fat or muscle protruding, or those still actively bleeding after pressure has been applied, the Mayo Clinic advises that stitches will likely be required. Contact your doctor to determine whether the doctor can provide this service. Ensure that wounds are closed within a few hours to reduce infection risk. Continued on next page...

Nosebleeds
Home care Home care is usually successful in stopping a nosebleed, according to Medline Plus, a service of the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. While pinching the nose closed with fingers, just before the bony ridge, have the person tilt their head forward slightly. Keep nostrils pinched for at least 10 minutes to stop bleeding. An ice pack applied over the bridge of the nose may also be helpful. When to go to the doctor Seek medical attention when bleeding wont stop after 20 minutes, is the result of a fall or blow to the head, or if the nose may be broken. Frequent nosebleeds should be discussed with your doctor, as they can be an indicator of underlying concerns.

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Bug bites and stings

Home care According to the Mayo Clinic website, most insect bites and stings result in minor reactions like stinging, swelling, fever, sore joints or swollen glands. These reactions can be treated by removing the stinger and applying an ice pack to reduce swelling. Consider applying hydrocortisone, calamine lotion or baking soda paste (3 teaspoons baking soda to 1 teaspoon water) and taking an antihistamine, such as Benadryl, to ward off further reactions. When to go to the doctor Signs of a severe allergic reaction to a bite or sting may involve difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips or throat, dizziness, confusion, abdominal cramping or vomiting. 911 should be called at the first sign of any of these symptoms. While waiting for medical help, gather a list of medications the affected person is taking, help them to take an antihistamine, if available, loosen clothing and have them lie still with feet elevated above the head.

medication may be used. Remember to avoid ice and ointments and breaking any blisters that form. When to go to the doctor When a burn appears to be thirddegree or second-degree that involves a large area or is on the face, groin, hands or feet, or is covering a major joint, seek immediate medical attention.

Burns
Home care First-degree burns involve the outer layer of skin only, which will appear red and swollen with some discomfort, according to the Mayo Clinic. Second-degree burns involve the second layer of skin and will appear blotchy, develop blisters and include severe pain. Third-degree burns can involve fat, muscle and bone and require emergency attention. For firstdegree burns and second-degree burns smaller than threeinches in diameter begin cooling the burn under cool, not cold, water for 10 to 15 minutes. Loosely cover the area with sterile gauze, not cotton. If pain continues, an over-the-counter pain

First-aid kit
No one knows better than the American Red Cross when it comes to preparing for an emergency. For ultimate readiness, follow their recommendations for keeping a kit at home, as well as in your vehicle. Once a year, remember to check each kit for items that may have expired. Here is a list of must haves for a family of four.
2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9) 25 assorted adhesive bandages 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yds. x 1) 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram) 5 antiseptic wipe packets 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each) 1 space blanket 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve) 1 instant cold compress 2 pair of non-latex gloves 2 packets of hydrocortisone Scissors 1 roller bandage (3 wide) 1 roller bandage (4 wide) 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3) 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4) Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass) 2 triangular bandages Tweezers First-aid instruction booklet

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